When looking for a place to have a date or receive a nice lunch or dinner, you may look for an Italian restaurant, bistro or café. These establishments will feature authentic Italian food on their menus and provide a eloquent atmosphere to have a nice meal. Italian foods will feature pastas, sauces, cheese and vegetables. While each kitchen may have their own recipes for Italian foods, a glass of wine will go well with just about any meal. In addition to dine in, restaurants also offer delivery and carry-out options.

Fettuccine Alfredo - Fettuccine Alfredo is a pasta dish that is covered with a cheese and butter topping. Often times the option of chicken can me provided at an additional cost.

Ravioli - Ravioli is a pasta casing that is filled with meat or cheese and topped with sauce. Served most commonly with been inside and cheese melted on top.

Gourmet - A gourmet meal is categorized as fine dining. The recipes may feature exotic ingredients, and the presentation of the meal will be classy and sophisticated but also cost more.

Lasagna - Lasagna is a baked Italian dish that features layers of pasta sheets, meat, vegetables, tomato sauce and cheese. One of the most popular dishes out there.

Pizza - A popular Italian dish, pizza consists of a thin layer of dough that is topped with marinara sauce and cheese. Depending on someone's preference and a restaurant's menu, possible toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and anchovies.

Pasta - Pasta is a traditional Italian cuisine that features noodles and topped with sauce. Numerous types and shapes of noodles are available, including spaghetti and macaroni.

Garlic - Garlic is a popular ingredient used in kitchens. This ingredient is a seasoning that adds taste, aroma and nutrition.

Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Its roots can be traced back centuries and has been influenced by many other cultures' foods. Most of the authentic dishes created in kitchens are based on recipes from Italy. Most recipes are customized and adjusted to accommodate the available ingredients. There are many types of restaurants in Italy, although only a few have established themselves in the United States.
Probably the most common type of Italian restaurant found in America is the pizzeria. As the name suggests, the menu consists of mainly pizza. While truly authentic Italian pizza is wood-fired with a thin crust, the typical slice of delivery pizza mimics a thicker style. Another difference in this dish, is the increased number of toppings. A common type of Italian eatery is the bistro and café. They usually serve a variety of drinks and foods, such as coffee and sandwiches.
For those looking to dine on gourmet dishes, an authentic Italian restaurant offers a more upscale menu and atmosphere. At these locations you will find such favorites as spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli and fettuccine. Most of them will also have an extensive wine selection. Italian restaurants are often family owned. The recipes used in the kitchens have generally been passed down from generation to generation. Many will offer hand-rolled pasta and marinara sauce with freshly chopped garlic. Since you cannot run off to Italy every time you get a craving for tiramisu or delicious red wine, be sure to explore the smaller bistros in your own area.